Much has been written about the Chinese Forbidden City, after all it's the largest palatial structure in the world and one of the greatest legacies of ancient China; however, it's not the only Forbidden City. You probably haven't heard of it yet but another one actually exists in the not-so-popular Imperial City of Hue, former capital and political center of Vietnam.
For the longest time, Vietnam was under Chinese and French rule and they had to fight for their independence multiple times throughout history. Wars were waged against so many kingdoms, countries, and even internal conflict between dynasties for power, control, and independence. One particular Vietnamese family that rose to prominence was the Nguyen Lords in 1802, the last ruling family of Vietnam.
Established in the early 1800s by Emperor Gia Long, the Nguyen Dynasty began after the fall of the Tay Son and chose the city of Hue as his seat of power, the dynasty's capital. He built a massive fortress there called the Forbidden City, strategically located in the middle of the country to symbolize the unification of the north and the south.
I've been dreaming about this place ever since I saw photos while planning my Vietnam itinerary. My fascination for palaces actually began in 2011 when my family and I visited Beijing and went to see the Forbidden City, so imagine my excitement when I found out another one exists in central Vietnam!
Upon my arrival in the city after an almost 13-hour train ride, I settled in my hostel and went around the place to unwind and relax. I began looking for local travel agencies for tours to the Forbidden City, since most packages usually include the Imperial Tombs which are far from the city and I might end up spending more if I go alone. I found a group tour for 180,000 VND or 360 PHP which includes transportation and a buffet lunch which isn't bad, plus 360,000 VND or 720 PHP for the passes. Kinda pricey but the latter's proceeds go directly to the Hue government fund for the restoration of the palace.
The historic Flag Tower, where the abdication of the last Vietnamese Emperor happened that paved way to a new Vietnamese society. It's so big! Notice the people at the base for scale.
Of course I didn't have high expectations. This was one of the most heavily damaged sites during the Vietnam war with the Battle of Hue being the bloodiest in the country. Only 10 out of 160 major structures remain after the war and the government has been trying to restore the palace to its former glory ever since. Once the most beautiful city in Vietnam, it is now just a shadow of what it once was.
Obligatory photo in front of the Noon Gate,hahaha!
The building in the middle is the Thai Hoa Palace or the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Vietnamese version of China's Hall of Supreme Harmony where the Throne Room is located. It's the most sacred place in the entire place, photography isn't allowed inside.
It was drizzling when I got there which gave the place a more dramatic feel. I shed a tear actually, there's so much history here!!!
Imagine if these stones could speak, the hundreds of years worth of stories they could share huhuhu.
If ever you're planning to go to Vietnam, this is a must-see! Take a sleeper train from Hanoi or Saigon to Hue, here's how I did it by the way: Journey To The Center Of Vietnam.
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